Assignment details
To respond to each part of this assignment you are required to use the EDU10003 Assignment 2: Personal Reflection template (DOCX 56 KB) Download EDU10003 Assignment 2: Personal Reflection template (DOCX 56 KB).
Part 1: Investigate the connection between mathematics and numeracy (approx. 300 words)
Responses to Part 1 should be written in the third person and organised into paragraphs. Try to use relevant research literature to support your discussion in this section. In this section you need to include the following:
A. Provide an explanation (include a definition and brief description) of :
• Mathematics
• Numeracy
B. Use an example to describe the connection between mathematics and numeracy.
C. Justify why it is important to understand this connection.
Important note: You must use APA referencing in-text and include any sources in a end-text reference list.
Part 2: Personal Reflection (approx. 300 words)
Responses to Part 2 can be written in first person and organised into paragraphs. Research literature is not expected in this section but can be included to support your ideas if appropriate. Use the following prompts to guide your response:
• How did you feel when you participated in mathematics lessons in school? Is there a specific incident that springs to mind, or one that highlights any specific emotions you felt?
• When you think about your own learning of mathematics, do you observe this as learning several different topics, or as a way of thinking? How does this relate back to your understanding of mathematics and numeracy?
• Do you feel your experience of learning mathematics has framed the way in which you see yourself as a teacher?
• Why is it important to recognise that not all students come to school with positive feelings towards mathematics?
• What strategies can teachers enact to enhance positive feelings towards maths? Relate this back to your understanding of mathematics and numeracy.
Part 3: Individualised Learning Plan (approx. 150 words)
Responses to Part 3 can be written in the first person with the use of bullet points and/or tables etc to help organise your ideas. In this section you need to complete and respond to the following:
A. Reflect upon your results from Assignment 1A: Personal numeracy quiz – Attempt 1; what are your strengths, and which are areas you could improve on?
B. Outline the strategies you will put in place between now and Assignment 1B: Personal numeracy quiz – Attempt 2 (Week 10) to support your own learning and progress.
Supporting resources
The following resources will Help you with completing this assignment:
• EDU10003 Assignment 2: Personal Reflection template (DOCX 56 KB)Download EDU10003 Assignment 2: Personal Reflection template (DOCX 56 KB)
The Student Hub also contains a wide range of useful Study resources (Links to an external site.) including guides on:
• Academic writing and presenting (Links to an external site.) – see the section on Academic posters
• Referencing (Links to an external site.), including the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
Part 1: Investigate the connection between mathematics and numeracy
A. Mathematics is a discipline that deals with the study of numbers, quantity, and space, including their relationships, operations, and measurements (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics [NCTM], 2021). Numeracy, on the other hand, refers to the ability to use mathematical concepts and skills in practical situations, such as in problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD], 2013).
B. The connection between mathematics and numeracy can be illustrated by considering a practical situation, such as grocery shopping. In this scenario, mathematics would involve understanding the concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, which are necessary for calculating the cost of items and the change from a given amount of money. Numeracy, on the other hand, would involve applying these mathematical skills to make informed decisions, such as comparing prices, calculating discounts, and determining the most cost-effective options.
C. Understanding the connection between mathematics and numeracy is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps individuals to develop essential skills for functioning effectively in everyday life, such as making informed financial decisions, understanding and interpreting data, and solving problems. Secondly, it enables individuals to engage with and appreciate the beauty and significance of mathematics as a discipline, leading to a deeper understanding and interest in the subject. Finally, understanding the connection between mathematics and numeracy is critical for teachers in designing and delivering effective mathematics instruction that is meaningful and relevant to students’ lives.
References:
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2021). What is mathematics? https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Ideas-and-Strategies/What-Is-Mathematics-/
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2013). OECD skills outlook 2013: First results from the survey of adult skills. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264204256-en
Part 2: Personal Reflection
When reflecting on personal experiences with mathematics in school, it is apparent that negative emotions were often associated with the subject. This was due to the challenging nature of mathematics and a lack of interest in the subject matter. A specific incident that springs to mind is struggling with algebra and finding it difficult to grasp the concepts, which resulted in frustration and a feeling of inadequacy.
In terms of personal learning of mathematics, it is viewed as a way of thinking rather than learning several different topics. Mathematics provides a framework for problem-solving and logical reasoning that can be applied to various situations, which has been beneficial in other areas of study and everyday life.
The experience of learning mathematics has shaped the way in which I view myself as a teacher, emphasizing the importance of providing engaging and meaningful mathematics instruction that connects with students’ lives and interests. It is crucial to recognize that not all students come to school with positive feelings towards mathematics, and it is the teacher’s responsibility to create a positive learning environment that promotes interest and motivation towards the subject.
To enhance positive feelings towards maths, teachers can use strategies such as incorporating real-world applications and contexts, providing opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration, and creating a supportive and collaborative classroom environment that values effort and perseverance.
Part 3: Individualised Learning Plan
A. Reflecting on the results from Assignment 1A: Personal numeracy quiz – Attempt 1, it is evident that the strengths lie in areas such as interpreting and analyzing data, while areas that require improvement include fractions and decimals, geometry, and algebra.
B. To support my own learning and progress in these areas, the following strategies will be implemented:
Set aside dedicated time for practice and review of mathematics concepts
Utilize online resources such as Khan Academy and Math
